Country Green Beans
Country Green Beans offer tender green beans cooked with ham, onion, and garlic in a buttery, savory sauce—perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the green beans, chopped ham, chopped onion, butter, water, minced garlic, and salt.
- Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use freshly trimmed green beans and a high-quality butter or margarine. If you don’t have ham, diced cooked bacon or even sautéed mushrooms can be excellent substitutions. Adjust salt to taste based on the saltiness of your ham. For added depth, consider tossing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Country Green Beans alongside grilled meats or as a vibrant side to a hearty casserole. They pair beautifully with Easy Rice Dressing for a complete meal. Consider garnishing with toasted almonds or lemon zest for an added touch of flavor. For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and enhance with more garlic and herbs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or in the microwave until heated through, taking care not to overcook the beans.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Green Beans contains roughly 355 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may require slightly less time to cook. Add them directly to the saucepan and check for tenderness after about 10-15 minutes of simmering.
What can I do if I don't have ham?
If ham isn't available, try using diced cooked bacon or omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian version. Sautéed mushrooms or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a nice depth of flavor in place of the ham.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions. You can also drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).